On Thursday 1st October 2015 the Installation of Officers of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers for 2015 to 2016, took place at the church of St Margaret Lothbury in the City of London, with kind permission of the Rector the Reverend Prebendary Jeremy Crossley.
While Liverymen, Freemen and Guests of the Company had almost filled the church prior to their arrival, Members of the Court were required to process behind the Company banner the short distance from Grocers’ Hall, where their Court Meeting had been held, to St Margaret Lothbury for the Installation Ceremony and Annual Service.
The Installation of new Master, Tom Rider; Upper Warden, David Szymanski and Renter Warden, Jeff Fuller was witnessed by those present and officiated by the Clerk, John Brooks.
Following the Installation Ceremony, the Annual Service was led by Company Chaplain, the Reverend John Cook. The congregation were, once again, delighted by the voices of the Lothbury Singers, led by Richard Townend, Director of Music at St Margaret Lothbury. For the Reading, the Master had chosen Corinthians chapter 13 verses 1-13. With its reference to Faith, Hope and Charity it is very relevant to the modern Livery. An eloquent and, in parts, amusing sermon, was given by the Rector Jeremy Crossley who referred to the successful tenure of now Deputy Master, Roger Westbrook CMG. Commenting on the immediate past Master’s divestment of his grand robes of office he sought to reassure Roger Westbrook that “…simple is the new chic!”
Once the Ceremony and Annual Service were completed the Company and Guests took the short walk to Grocers’ Hall for an excellent lunch, some fine wine and port. The Loyal Toast to HM the Queen, the Royal Family, Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation and Guests were proposed, in turn, by the Master. His principal Guest the former Dean of St Paul’s, Bishop Graeme Knowles CVO gave, on behalf of the Guests, a witty, informed and very entertaining response. Not least was his knowledge of both the Company and the Master’s family’s long and distinguished association with the Craft and, in particular, “…that other church, across the river, Southwark Cathedral.”
Dr David Allen, Liveryman and Steward proposed the Toast to the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers to which the Master responded.
With the arrival of coffee and possibly (probably) another glass of port, conversations and fellowship brought the afternoon to a successful conclusion.
